Whether referred by another doctor or not, here's what you can typically expect during your first visit to an orthodontist. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to complete any required new patient forms. Sometimes these forms can be emailed or downloaded from a website in advance. First-time appointments can vary in time and complexity, so it's best to ask in advance how much time your appointment will take. Your first appointment encompasses a thorough evaluation and a gathering of records to determine if treatment is necessary and how to go about it. One thing a first visit won't involve is actually putting braces or other orthodontic appliances on you.Be prepared to answer questions about the kind of prescribed and over-the-counter medications you take, and if you have any health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, autism, or drug allergies. Also, your physician and general dentist contact information may be required. If you're pregnant, be sure to inform the doctor or assistant. Your doctor may conduct a quick exam of your teeth and mouth looking for any obvious signs of a dental problem. Conditions like gum disease, bone loss, or a cracked tooth must be treated before orthodontic treatment.Your doctor or an assistant may take an impression or mold of your teeth or use a machine to image your teeth in 3D to help design braces to fit you properly. A full series of photographs are typically taken. Pictures may be taken of your upper and lower arch inside your mouth and of your full face and profile. A series of standard dental X-rays may be taken if not provided by your referring doctor. These allow your doctor to see what's going on inside your mouth and helps them know how to best plan treatment for you.Another way your doctor may take X-rays is to use cone beam computed tomography or CBCT, a specialized imaging device that uses a rotating cone-shaped X-ray beam to create a 3D view of the inner anatomy of your head and face. Today's modern x-ray machines emit virtually no radiation, no more than you would receive from a day in the sun or a weekend watching TV, but as a precaution, a lead apron will be placed over you. You may also meet with a patient coordinator to discuss dental benefits, financial options, and lifestyle instructions. Often you'll need to schedule a second appointment to learn your doctor's findings and treatment recommendations. It won't be until your second or maybe third appointment when your orthodontist will put on your braces or other orthodontics. With your first orthodontic appointment completed, you'll be on your way to get a customized treatment plan that will ensure your smile is beautiful and healthy.